Tin Can customs foils drug smuggling attempt worth ₦5.3b, hands over substances to NDLEA

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, has made a significant seizure of illicit drugs worth ₦5.304 billion, concealed in imported vehicles.

The Tin Can command controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka while highlighting the seizures last Friday stated it was a testament to the Command’s resolve to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.

He revealed how the Command intercepted two containers laden with motor vehicles used to smuggle the illicit substances, which were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

In a release signed by CSC Oscar Ivara, Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the command, the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts. Upon 100% physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed quantities of 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.

The second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller. The container, also carrying four vehicles, was found to conceal 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight (8) packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing 8 kilograms.

The controller revealed that the total street value of the illicit drugs seized from both operations is estimated at ₦5.304 billion.

He said, “In line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotic substances have been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation, prosecution, and other necessary legal actions.

The Area Controller commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy, for their ongoing collaboration in combating drug trafficking and transnational crimes. He issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illicit drug smuggling, emphasizing that such acts compromise the nation’s economy and pose significant risks to national security and public health.

The Controller stated, “Let it be known that Tin Can Island Port Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.” He urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.

The Controller expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their continuous support, as well as to the media for their role in public sensitization on compliance and patriotism. He commended the officers and men of Tin Can Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime borders and bringing offenders to justice.

Receiving the seized items, Commander Daniel Onyishi of the NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment to intercepting illicit drugs. He noted that the handover reflects the strong collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against drug trafficking.

Commander Onyishi emphasized the NDLEA’s resolve to thoroughly investigate and dispose of seized substances in accordance with legal procedures, and reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to strengthen partnerships with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.